Behind the Scenes
Behind the Scenes
Toronto never waits — here’s the clip I shot between events, proving Toronto shines even when you’re short on time.
Location: Toronto Financial District
Toronto layover guide begins at the Chelsea Hotel
Stuck at the airport, Union Station, or killing time before a meeting? It happens. My Toronto layover guide will take care of that. The trick is not to waste the day lying flat in a hotel room, feeling sad, mad, or mildly dramatic about your schedule. Toronto is a city built for detours — and if you need a solid base before heading out, the Chelsea Hotel delivers on location, comfort, value, and convenience.
With three towers, 1,500+ rooms, and several restaurants — including Elm Bistro (cocktails + small plates), a breakfast buffet, and an on-site brewery — it’s the kind of place where you drop your bags, freshen up, and get moving. A rooftop pool, gym, hot tub, and seasonal terrace don’t hurt either.
Now you’re settled. Time to explore, eat well, and capture a few killer shots along the way.
1. Nathan Phillips Square — Skate, Shoot & Soak in the Winter Energy
This is Toronto’s winter heartbeat. From late November through early January, the Cavalcade of Lights brings markets, installations, and outdoor skating to the square. Whether you’re stepping on the ice for the first time or just here for the ambiance, don’t skip the art installation above the rink. The current design (unveiled in 2022) features work by Joseph Sagaj — a tribute to the International Decade of Indigenous Languages.
Photography tip:
Shoot wide to capture the rink, old city hall clock tower, and the glowing “Toronto” sign in one frame. Evening is your money hour.
2. A Quick Bite: Toronto Street Dogs
Call it simple, call it iconic — but a street sausage is the fastest way to refuel without losing precious time. You’re here to explore, not sit in a restaurant for 90 minutes.
Photography tip:
Grab a candid street-food shot with streetcars or office towers behind you for that real-Toronto look.
3. Chinatown & Kensington Market — Food, Colour & Characters
Walk west toward Chinatown for bold flavours, warm bowls, noodles, cheesecakes, and that classic Spadina–Dundas chaos. The best part? Chinatown flows right into Kensington Market, one of Toronto’s most eclectic neighbourhoods.
Toronto’s creative community, musicians, vintage hunters, and local characters all roam these streets. It’s loud, messy, textured — in other words, you’re kind of perfect.
4. Sunset on Toronto Islands — The Cityscape Worth the Ferry Ride
If you have a few hours to spare, the Toronto Islands offer the best skyline view in the city.
I love shooting from Centre Island at golden hour — skyscrapers glowing, ferry slicing across the lake, the CN Tower rising like a lighthouse.
Just remember: winter ferries run on a limited schedule. Double-check departure times and give yourself a two-hour buffer.
5. End Your Day Your Way
After dinner — wherever your cravings pull you — you choose how to close the night:
A long walk? A nightcap? Or a gloriously hot bath back at the hotel?
Toronto gives you endless options and zero pressure.
Why I Love Toronto
Toronto mixes big-city attitude with an open-door energy that feels instantly familiar. It’s the kind of place where every corner has movement, colour, and personality — a dream for photographers and a gift for travellers who want more than a checklist. Whether I’m shooting architecture, market life, or winter lights, this city gives me story after story, frame after frame.
FAQ
Absolutely — the city is built for quick adventures and easy transit connections.
UP Express takes you from Pearson to Union Station in 25 minutes.
The winter golden hour hits early—aim for 3:30–5 pm for skyline and architecture shots.
Yes, but ferry schedules change seasonally. Always verify the timing before you go.
About the Author
Roland Bast is a Canadian travel photographer and visual storyteller with 10+ years of experience capturing destinations through culture, emotion, and authentic local detail. His work blends cinematic photography with people-first writing, reaching Canadian travellers through engaging stories, guides, and Member of TMAC.
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